Seasonal Changes in Leaf Water Characteristics of Eucalyptus tetrodonta and Terminalia ferdinandiana Saplings in a Northern Australian Savanna

摘要: The monsoonal areas of northern Australia experience extreme seasonal variations in rainfall, with an annual dry season 7 months or more. Seasonal changes leaf water relations were investigated for saplings two tree species common Australian savannas: Eucalyptus tetrodonta F.Muell, evergreen, and Terminalia ferdinandiana Excell, which is deciduous. Saplings may more severe stress than mature trees because their root systems are less extensive. This study found a positive correlation between pre-dawn potential height during the season, but not wet both E. T. trees. Pressure–volume curves constructed leaves at 2-monthly intervals throughout year. Osmotic full turgor decreased from maximum −1.33 MPa February (wet season) to −2.25 October (late season), then increased intermediate value −1.71 December (early season). Leaves compared April (end season; before senescence). −1.18 −1.39 April. capacity maintenance was larger ferdinandiana, osmotic loss point, relative content point ratio turgid weight all lower tetrodonta.